Golden Valley, North Dakota Air Quality
Golden Valley has a median AQI of 39, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 65% of US cities. Air quality has been trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Golden Valley recorded 195 good air quality days (80% of monitored days) and 9 unhealthy days.
Population: 258 • County: Mercer
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 65 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 39 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 65% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 9 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↓ Worsening |
| Data Source | EPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live) |
Health Recommendation
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Golden Valley is sourced from the Beulah North monitoring area, located approximately 14 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Golden Valley typically sees its worst air quality during summer afternoons when heat and sunlight drive ground-level ozone formation from vehicle and industrial emissions. Morning readings are generally 15–25 points lower than afternoon peaks. Outdoor activity is best planned for early morning on high-ozone days.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Golden Valley Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Golden Valley — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 39 | 195 | 10 | 283 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 37 | 304 | 6 | 167 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 41 | 252 | 16 | 322 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 36 | 318 | — | 72 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 38 | 279 | 9 | 174 | Ozone |
| 2020 | 36 | 328 | — | 78 | Ozone |
| 2019 | 38 | 301 | — | 72 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 38 | 305 | 2 | 111 | Ozone |
| 2017 | 35 | 317 | 2 | 159 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 32 | 356 | 1 | 107 | Ozone |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2025 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2025)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Valley Air Quality
What is the air quality in Golden Valley today?
The current AQI in Golden Valley is 65, rated "Moderate". Air quality is moderate — unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Is air quality in Golden Valley getting better or worse?
Air quality in Golden Valley has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 7 points (from 32 in 2016 to 39 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Golden Valley?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Golden Valley, responsible for 180 days (74% of monitored days) in 2025. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Golden Valley have per year?
In 2025, Golden Valley recorded 80% good air quality days (195 days) out of 243 monitored days. There were 6 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 3 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The most severe category (Very Unhealthy or Hazardous) occurred on 1 day. The highest single-day AQI recorded was 283.
What air quality grade does Golden Valley receive?
Golden Valley receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 65% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 39 in 2025, with 195 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 65% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Golden Valley compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Golden Valley
Golden Valley has a summer ozone problem — hot afternoons push AQI into Moderate or higher as sunlight converts vehicle and industrial emissions into ground-level ozone. Activated carbon and PECO filters chemically neutralize ozone rather than just trapping particles.
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